Sorting machine



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. SORTING MACHINE 4 Filed May 15. 1924 April 14, 1925.

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SORTING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 d MQ April 14, 1925.

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SORTING MACHINE 4 Sheets-'Sheet 3 Filed May 15, 1924 April 14, 1925.

G. w. c'ox, JR

SORTING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4,

Filed May 13, 1924 61H01 "ms Patented Apr.. 14, 1925i.n

. UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE.

GEORGE W. COX, JR., F WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR T0 NA-TIONAL ASSORTING COMPANY, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, A COR-PORATION OF DELAWARE.

SORTING MACHINE.

Application led May 13, 1924. Serial No. 713,089.

To all wlmm if 01mg/ concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. Cox, Jr., a citizen of the United States,and resident of IVashington, District of Columbia., have in- 5 ventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Sorting Machines; and I do herebydeclare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of theinvention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which itappertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to .-machines for sorting checks, papers,invoices and the like, such as disclosed in my co-pending applicationSer. No. 559,020, filed May`6, 1922.

In said applicationI provide a plurality of vertically-extending,adjacent separator elements, or leaves, all arranged in groups, havingdescribed as one embodiment of my invention, live hundred of the leavesarranged in groups of fifty leaves each, and means for selectively andsimultaneously separating any two adjacent leaves of the same positionin each group. Thereafter twov of the articies being sorted may beplaced between the separated leaves, one against the rear of the frontleaf, and the other against the front of the rear leaf. In anotherembodiment of the invention the leaves are provided with two parallelrows of upstanding tabs positioned longitudinally of the cover orcasing, and, during the sort of miscellaneous papers bearing classifyingindicia., the paper being sorted is placed in the proper group of theleft-hand or righthand row of tabs, dependent upon the indicia carriedby the paper.

In the copcnding application heretofore referred to I disclosed 5()actuator bars, each carrying 10 depending arms adapted for Contact, uponreciprocation of the actuators, with similarly positioned leaves in eachgroup. fying it with respect to the position of the leaves'in thegroups, and with indicia carried by the articles being sorted, and, uponinspection of the indicia carried by the article, the operator pullsforward the proper actuator and deposits the article `in its appropriateposition between the sepa-rated leaves.

The application referred to disclosed a hand-operated machine, and theprimary ob- Each actuator carries indicia classiject of the presentinvention is the provision of powered means for selectively andsimultaneously moving the similarly positioned leavesin each group, andseparating each from its adjacent leaf.

Other objects of the invention will be made apparent in the followingspecification, when read in connection with the drawtuator bar in adifferent position after being moved by the powered mechanism.

Figs. 8, 9 and' 10 illustrate the positions of the operating cam, whenthe actuators are, respectivel in the positions shown in Figs. 5, 6 andFig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional detail of a/modification of the lowerend of the key rod, showing an anti-friction element carried thereby.

Fig. l2 is a similar view of another modification.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view, on a reduced scale, of thecover or housing for the machine, and

Fig. 14; is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of two actuatorbars, and a leaf engaged by one of said bars, and the means forselectively engaging each bar with the associated power mechanism.

Now referring specifically to the drawings:

The machine comprises a support A, preferably in the form of a metalliccasting, although it may be of sheet metal or of any material suitablefor its purpose, and ma be of any suitable configuration whic adapts itas a supporting base. As here illustrated, the support A is a castingofrectangular formation, comprising a base portion and angularlydisposed vertical rails l,

and a top rail 2, at the front and rear, and similar rails along itssides.

On each side of the base portion, the support A, is provided an upwardlyextending inwardly-turned flange 3, as clearly indicated in Fig. 4, anda plurality of separator elements, or leaves B, are pivotally supportedupon said flange 3. The leaves Bextend across the support A, the lowerportion 4 of each leaf being formed on an angle to the body thereof, andprovided adjacent each end, with a depending lug 5 which extends belowand projects under the plane of the flange 3, as illustrated in Fig. 4.It will be noted that the project-ing extreme end` portions of theleaves B are positioned slightly above the flange 3, permitting pivotalmovement of the leaves. Each leaf B is provided with a centralsupporting lug G, which rests upon a wear strip secured to the floor ofthe casting A, similar strips also supporting the ends 5 of the leaf, asshown in Fig. 4.

Extending over approximately one-half the length of the leaves B, is aprotective housing or cover C, and each leaf is provided, under saidcover, with an upstanding projection 7, which projections may be of thesame width on each leaf, all of the projections however, being arrangedin staggered relation, for apurpose to be hereinafter described.

As in the copending application heretofore referred to, the leaves B arearranged in regularly spaced groups, and there are 500 leaves dividedinto 10 groups of 50 each. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the leaves extendoutwardly from the cover C, and they are here shown as provided withupstanding4 tabs 8, arranged in a row B', and similar tabs 9, spacedfrom the tabs 8, and arranged in a row B2, both rows being parallel eachto each, and to the cover C. The tabs on the separate leaves in each rowlie adjacent and, when separated, provide the necessary space to receivethe papers or other articles being sorted, which papers are positionedon edge, upon the floors A and A2 shown in Fig. 1, supporting andspacing projections A3 and A, rising from the floors A and A2, andserving to hold the free ends of the sorted papers in proper' uprightposition. I

Extending over and transversely of the leaves B, are 50 actuator bars D,as shown in Fig. 1. Each bar D is provided with ten depending lugs 10,one of said lugs extending behind and constantly engaging theupsta'nding projection 7 of a leaf in each group, and it is to beunderstood that the lugs on an actuator engage only similarly positionedleaves in each group. The actuators D are suitably spaced, and theforward ends extend through a supporting comb 11 at the front end of themachine, as shown in. Fig. 3, and through additional combs 12 andFig. 1. At the front of the machine' is provided a key-board carrying akey 14 for each actuator, said key bearin indicia classifying it inaccordance with t e position of the associated actuator which itcontrols. It'

is to be here understood that the indicia on the keys 14 may be of anycharacter desired, it being necessary that they also be classified inaccordance with whatever indicia are carried by the articles beingsorted.

In my copending application the key is connected dlrectly 'to theactuator and a forward pull upon the former will reciprocate the latter,and o en the space which is proper for the reception of the paper beingsorted. In the present invention I provide for the utilization of thefollowing-described powered means to reciprocate the actuators.

Slidably supported above the actuators is a reciprocable carriage,mounted upon two slide rods 15,` 15, on each side of the casting A. Therods are held in alignment by, and are slidable through brackets 16,fastened to the side rails 2 of the frame, as clearly shown inFigs. 1and 2. The carriage frame 17 is rigidly secured upon the rods 15, 15,and comprises end rails 18, 18, and side rails19, 19, bracing elementsconnecting the rails each to each, in actual practice, and serving toprevent distortion of the carriage. The carriage is provided near itscorner portions, and along the rails 19, 19, with collars 20, adapted tosurround the rods 15, and to be rigidly secured thereto by means ofbolts, or screws. The rear rail 18 of the carriage is provided with astrong bracket 21, which carries a depending anti-friction roller 22fitted into a'track 23 of a horizontally positioned cam 24. The cam 24is fixed to a shaft 25, upon which is mounted a worm-wheel 26, in meshwith a worm-shaft 27 of an electric motor 28. A switch 29, at the frontof the machine is in circuit with said motor 28, whereby the rotation ofthe cam may be controlled at will, and a casing 30 is provided to coverthe wheel 2G.

As indicated in Fig. 1, the actuators D lie in close proximity, and inparallelism, and a straddle arm 31 is rigidly mounted upon each actuatorand extends thereabove. The upper portion of the arm 31 is also slotted,and the rear end of a finger 32 is pivotally mounted therein, as clearlyshown 1n Fig. 14. It is necessary, for economy of space, that theactuators D lie as close together as possible, and, for this reason, thearm 31 on alternate actuators is in a different plane, as clearly shownin Figs. 1 and 14, the alternate fingers 32 heilig of different lengthsin order that the ends of all of the fingers may be in alignment. Inorder to retain the finger 32 in its normal position, a very weak leafspring 33 is positioned between the finger 32 and the actullo ator D,the spring always tending to hold the finger in the raised positionshown in Figs. 14 and 5.

The front end ofthe finger 32 is downwardly and inwardly curved at 34,terminating in an upwardly extending flat surface 35, adapted forengagement with the fiat front edge 3G of the rail 18 of the carriageframe 17, said rail .18 being provided with a beveled rear edge 37, fora purpose to be presently explained.

Normally the lingers 32lie in a plane such that the surface 35 isimmediately above the plane of reciprocation of the rail 18, and, inorder to depress any selected finger into engagement with the rail 18,whereby to reciproca-te the desired actuator D, I provide a key-board E,here shown as composed of two spaced plates 38 and 39, each plate beingprovided with 50 perforations which register with the perforations inthe other plate. Mounted above the plate 38 are 50 keys 14, fixed tostems 40 which extend through the aligned apertures in the plates 38and39. Each stem 40 carries a transversely extending pin 41 below theplate 38, serving to limit the upward movement of the stem, and a spring42 is coiled around the stem 40, and bears against the pin 41 and thetop surface of the plate 39, the` spring always tending to raise thestem.

The lower portion of the stem 40 projects through the plate 39 andterminates directly above the upper surface of the front portion of thefinger 32, and it is obvious therefore that a pressure upon the key 14will depress the spring 42 and cause the end of the stem 40 to move thefinger downwardly against the slight counter-pressure of the spring 33tThis movement of the finger 32 causes it to pass into the path of theconstantly reciprocating rail 18 on the carriage 17, as should beclearly understood. Upon a depression of a finger 32, if the rail 18 isat that time in front of the forward end of the finger, as sho-wn inFig. 5, when the rail 18 moves to the rear the beveled edge 37 willcontact the surface 34 of the finger and slide thereunder, and move thelatter upwardly against the slight pressure being imposed by theoperator upon the key 14. Upon further' rearward movement of the rail18, the surface 35 of the finger will engage the flat surface 36 of therail 18, whereupon a return forward movement of the rail will pull thefinger 32 forwardly, and with it that actuator to which it is attached.It is to be clearly understood that the rail 18 is at all timesreciprocating with a stroke of preferably, approximately 2% inches. Itslimit of forward stroke is indicated in Fig. 5, the finger 32 being outof engagement therewith and its limit of rearward stroke is indicated inFig. 6, the finger engaging the rail. Figs. 8, 9 and 10 indicate the campositions with respect to the views of the finger as shown in Figs. 5, 6and 7..

A stop rod 43 extends under all of the fingers `32, limiting thedownward movement thereof, and a friction bar, or a roller 44, iscarried by the rails 19, extending transversely over the rear portionsof the actuators D, limiting upward tilting movement of the latter asshown in Fi 1.

Two parallel push rods 31 and 31" are secured to the rods 15, and extendtransverscly between the actuators D and the fingers 32, as clearlyindicated in Figs. 1 and 4. It is the duty of these rods to return theactuators to normal position, and

the instrumentalit'ies are so positioned, with respect to the action ofthe cam 24, that, when the return movement of the carriage releases therail 18 from the surface 35 of the finger 32, the rod 31al will contactthe front of the straddle bar 31 in.the front row, and move the actuatorD back to normal position. The rod 31*I has the same duty with respectto the bars 31 in the rear row. If all of the straddle bars were in thesame line only one push rod would benecessary. As the actuators arereturned to normal position, the leaves B are also automaticallyreturned by means of a spring, as will hereinafter be explained.

It is to be noted that the keys 14 are here shown in 5 rows of 10 keyseach, and that the keys in each row are arranged in sta gered relationwith respect to. the keys 1n the adjacent row. This arrangement is ofcourse for the purpose of permitting the use of larger keys than mightbeused if the keys were arranged in a straight. line directly above theactuator. f

The leaves Bare separated into groups of 50 each, by means of stopplates 45 at the rear of that portion of each group which is beneath thehousing C, and by a doubleangled plate. 46, secured to the base of thecasting A, and adapted to limit lthe movement of the projecting tabs 8and 9. Also similarly secured to said casting A, is a. leafspring 47,which bears against the front projection 7 of each group of leaves,tending to return the leaves to normal position. All the leaves aremounted for gravitation to the normal position shown in Figs. 1 and 2,but any leaf may be moved forward, by

reciprocation of its associated actuator, to

wardly extending row of digits from 0 to' -tab 8, and also a tab 9, itis obvious that each tab 8 is classified, by position in a group, withthe tab 9 carried by the same leaf but in a spaced row. In the sortingof the checks above referred to, each check upon whichthe' last twodigits aggregate 50 o-r less, is placed in the row B2, between the tabs9, and those having terminal digits aggregating 51 to 100, are placed inrow B', between the tabs 8.

It being understood that the cam 24 is in operation, the rail 18, isconstantly reciprocating under the front end of the fingers 32. Each key14 bears two numbers, one above the other, the lower number beinggreater than the upper by 50 points, thus;

The checks to be sorted are of course promiscuously arranged, andassuming that the first check is numbered 162, the operator presses uponthe key which bears the number -12/62. This operation, as heretoforeexplained, engages a finger-32 with the reciprocating rail 18, andcauses a forward pull upon the actuator, which is attached, by thestraddle bar 31, to the linger which has been depressed. Itv will benoted that, as shown by the foregoing chart of the keyboard, there is adifference of 5 points between the top numbers on a key 14, with respectto the topnumber on the key immediately adjacent in the same horizontalrow, and that the same is also true of the bottom numbers on said keys;also that, on each key,

greater than the top each adjacent key to the right, and the bottomnumbers similarly increasing and, in each case, being 50 points greaterthan the top number on the same key.v The same system of numbering thekeys prevails with respect to all of the horizontal rows, it being notedvthat Vthere are 50 keys each bearing two separated sets of elaifyingindicia, here shown as numbers, but which, in the sort of papers bearingindicia other than numbers, the keys 1,4 are provided with indicia tocorrespond with that carried by the papers being sorted. As here shownthere are 100 separate claifications carried by the keys, and assumingthat there are 50 of the tabs 8 in each group in the row B', and 50 ofthe tabs 9 in each group in the row B2, it follows that there are 50spaces which may be provided for the insertion of checks 1 in each'groupin each row, or 100 spaces in those groups in the same horizontal plane;in other words the tabs 8 and the tabs 9, are in the same group, sincesimilarly positioned tabs 8 and 9 are carried by the same leaf B,

and there are therefore 100 spaces for checks in each group. Since thereare 10 groups extending longitudinally of the machine, it is possible,bymovement of the leaves B, to provide spaces for the reception of 1000pa ers, as will be understood.

n the sort `of the check numbered 162, it will be understood that theoperatorl depresses the key 12/62 because this key is the only one whichbea-rs the numerals 62 as the last two digits, and it is also to beunderstood that the irst movement of the sort, to wit, reciprocation ofthe proper actuator D, is always governed by the last two digits on thepaper being sorted. In depressing the key bearing the numbers 12/62therefore, the finger 32 on the actuator immediately under that key wascaused to engage the reciprocating rail 18, resulting in a forward pullupon that particular actuator only. As hereinbefore stated, eachactuator carries 10 depending lugs, one of which engages the verticalprojection 7 of one leaf only in each of the groups.. In the presentinstance the lug 10 of the actuator which is reciprocated engages theprojection 7 of the 12th leaf, by position, counting from front to rear,Vin each group. This may be verified by the key-board chart, by countingthe numbers of the keys from the upper left hand corner, down the firstsubstantially vertical row, up the second row, and down the third row tothe key bearing the numeral 62. The movement of the actuator havingpivotally moved every 12th leaf in each group, there are 10 spaces openin each of 'the rows B1 and B2. Since the operator has noted that thelast two digits on the check aggregate more than 50, he is aware of thefact that it belongs in row B, between the tabs 8. He also notes thatthe third digit from the right is 1, and therefore places the check inthe only opening` which is provided in the tabs 8, that. group which isimmediately adjacent the numeral 1, on the strip 48 carried by the coverC. If the check'had been numbered 112, the same actuator would have been`reci'procated, and exactly the same openings provided in all thegroups, but the check would have been .placed in the row B2, jbetweenthe tabs 9, since 12 is less than 50.

x nother example; if No. 743 is being sorted, the key -43/73 (3rd rowdown, next to last button wouldbe pressed), and the check depositedbetween the separated tabs 9 in row B2; in this row because 43 is lessthan 50, and in the group opposite the number 7 on the strip 48. If thenumber had been 763-the check would have been placed in. the row jB,between the tabs 8,.and opposite the :number 7 on the strip 48.

From the foregoing it is obvious that it is possibleto provide 1000spaces in the combined rows B and B2` and that there is a separate Spacefor each check numbered from 1 to 1000, and that, after a check isdeposited, it is in its proper position. After the full sort iscompleted the checks are assembled in a stack by first removing'thosefrom the front tabs 9 in the row B2, then removing the checks from thefront tabs 8, row B' and placing them behind the checks already removed,and then abstracting the checks from the second group B2, etc.

lihile I have herein ydescribed the ma.- chine as beingI driven by anelectric motor, it "is of course understood tliat I am not limited .tothe use of a motor of any particular type for utilization in rotatingthe cam shaft, as the shaft may be geared to other powered means carriedby the machine, or may be otherwise connected tot power which isotherwise entirely separate from the machine. Noram I limited to theutilization of va cam for the purpose of reciprocation of the actuatorsD, since they may be driven by other gearing positioned between them andthe power source.

While the machine is here shown as equipped for the numerical sort, thesame principles of operation apply in the sort of papers carrying names,such as the drawer of a check, or papers which carry other alphabeticalindicia. Insuch cases the keys 14 and the strip 48 would bear theletters of the alphabet. In the sort of the name Parker for instance,the key a is caused to reciprocate, thereby opening-a space in each ofthe groups under each of the letters carried by the strip 48 and thearticle is deposited in the group under the letter P on said strip; onthe second sort the letters rand k areA simultaneously considered, andnext the letters e and r.

The same principle is applicable to infnumbers. In all cases suchindicia are carried on the keys 14 vas will classify the latter with thedesignations carried by the articles being sorted, and such indicia arecarried by thestrip 48 as will correspond with other l yindicia carriedby the articles being sorted.

The indicia carried by the strip 48 and by the keys 14, are easilyremovable, for the substitution of other designatin matter, de# pendentupon the character of t e sort to be made.4

In order to reduce friction between the top surface of the ngers 32, andthe lower end of the stem 40, I may position an antifriction ball 40 ina socket in the lower portion of said stem, as shown in Fig. 11, or mayprovide a roller 402 as shown in Fig. 12. In such cases the lower end ofthe stem 40 may be bifurcated and straddle the tingers 32, serving as'aguide in the reciprocation of said fingers under the power of the rail18. It is also desirable to provide a small wear plate, of hard metal,on that portion of the projections 7 which/is engaged l by the lug 1()carried by the actuators.

The rapidity of rcciprocatiou of the carriage 17, and consequently ofthe rail 18, may be varied at will in actual practice, to accommodatethe reciprocations to the speed of the operator, by providing a switch29 in the form of a rheostat control, as will be understood. Y

Various other modifications of the structure herein disclosed anddescribed will be L suggested'to those skilled in the art, but myinvention covers lall such embodiments as fall fairly within the scopeof the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A sorting machine provided. with plurality of movable separatorelements, and power-actuated mechanism adapted to selectively move anyone of said elements.

2. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of movable separatorelements arranged in groups, and power-actuated mechanism adapted toselectively and simultaneously move similarly positioned elements in theseveral groups.

3. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of movable separatorelements ar, ranged in groups, an actuator member com` mony to allsimilarly positioned elements in each group. and power-mechanism adaptedto bel selectively engaged by each actuator whereby to movepredetermined elements in the several groups.

4. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of pivotally mountedleaves armovin similarly classified leaves in the severa rou s, toprovide paper-receiving spaces t ere etween, substantlally as described.

5. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of leaves arranged ingroups, indicia denoting the classification of each group, and poweredmeans for simultaneously lmoving a selected leaf in each group toprovide paper-receiving spaces adjacent said leaves, substantially asdescribed.

6. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of movably mounted leavesarranged 1n a plurality of groups, each leaf in each group having adifferent classification, and corresponding to the classification ofsimilarly positioned leaves in the other groups, and powered means forsimultaneously moving all leaves of the same classification in theseveral groups.

7. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of movably mounted leavesarranged in a plurality of groups, each leaf in each group having adifferent classification, and corresponding to the classification ofsimilarly positioned leaves in the other groups, and powered mea-ns forsimultaneously moving all leaves of the same classification in theseveral groups, in combination with indicia denoting a differentclassification of each group. j

8. sorting maching comprising a multiplicity of spaced elements soarranged in groups that similarly positioned elements of each group havethe same classification, and powered means for simultaneousl moving allthe elements of the same classi cation in the several groups.

9. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of spacing elements soarranged into a plurality of groupsthat correspondingly positionedelements of all the groups have the same classification, a plurality ofactuators each of which is adapted for reciprocation to move only theelements of the same classification in the several groups, and poweredmeans for selectively reciprocating each actuator.

. 10. A sorting machine for articles bearing terminal designationscomprising a multiplicity of spacing elements so arranged into aplurality of groups 'that correspondingly positioned elements of allgroups have the same classification, and powered means adapted foractuating the same to simultaneously provide, between adjacent elements,an article-receiving space of the same classification in all the groups,and in accordance `with the terminal designations carried by thearticles being sorted.

11. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of spacing elements;arranged in a plurality of groups positioned in separate rows, eachelement of each group in each row having a separate classification, incombination with powered means for moving in unison an element of thesame classification in every group in each row, substantially asdescribed.

12. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of members positioned inparallelism and each carrying spacing projections forming a plurality ofrows arranged in groups, and powered means for simultaneously movin amember of the same classification in eac group.

13. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of members positioned inparallelism and each carrying spacing projections forming a plurality ofrows arranged in groups, and means for simultaneously moving a member ofthe same classification in each group, comprising a movable actuatoradapted for movement to simultaneously engage a member of the sameclassification in each group, and powered means for moving saidactuator.

14. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of movable separatorelements, and powered means for moving each element from its normalposition and for thereafter restoring said element to its normalposition.

15. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of movable separatorelements, poweractuated means mounted in position to be engaged by anyofsaid elements and adapted to move said engaged-element from a normalposition and to thereafter restore it to said position, and means forselectively engaging any element, with said power-actuated means.l

16. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of movable leaves arrangedin roups, a plurality of actuators each of w ich is adapted for movementtOseparate a correspondingly positioned leaf of each group from the leafadjacent thereto, and powered means for automatically moving anyselected actuator, and for thereafter restoringA said actuator to normalposition.

17. A sorting machine comprising a pluralit of leaves arranged inparallelism, each leaf eing provided with a projection positioned instaggered relation with respect to the projection on the adjacent leaf,and powered means for engaging a selected projection and for moving oneleaf away from the adjacent leaf.

18. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of leaves arranged inparallelism, each leaf being provided with a projection positioned instaggered relation with respect to the projection on the adjacent leaf,a plurality of actuators so positioned that an actuator is constantlybearing against the projection on each leaf, and powered means forselectively moving each actuator.

19. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of leaves arranged ingroups, each leaf being provided with a projection positioned instaggered relation with respect to the projection on the adjacent leaf,and powered'means for simultaneously en aging the projection ofsimilarly positlone leaves in the several groups and for moving saidleaves away from the' leaves next adjacent.

20. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of leaves arranged ingroups, each leaf being provided with a projection positioned instaggered relation with respect to the projection on the adjacent leaf,an actuator bearing upon the projection of similarly positioned leavesin the several groups, and powered means for selectively moving eachactuator.

21. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of leaves arranged ingroups, each leaf being provided with a projection po sitioned instaggered relation with respect to the projection on the adjacent leaf,and powered means for simultaneously engaging the projection ofsimilarly positioned leaves` in the several groups and for moving saidleaves away from the leaves next adjace-nt and for thereafter restoringsaid leaves to normal position.

22. A sorting machine comprising a plurality of leaves arran ed ingroups, each leaf being provided with a projection positioned instaggered relation with respect to the projection on the adjacentleaf,.an actuator bearing upon the projection of similarly positionedleaves in the several groups, and powered means for selectively movingeach actuator and for thereafter re- A storing sald actuator to normalposltlon.

23. A'sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of spacing elements sopositioned in separated rows that each element of each row has adifferent classification, and that between similarly positioned elementsof different rows there is a fixed variance of classification, andpowered means for simultaneously moving similarly positioned elements ofeach row.

24. A sorting machine comprising amultiplicity of spacing elements sopositioned in groups which are arranged in separated rows that there isa fixed variance of classification between correspondingly positionedelelnents of all of the groups of one row and between similarlypositioned elements in the groups of another row, and powered means forsimlutaneously moving similarly positioned elements of each group ofeach row.

25. A device for sorting promiscuously arranged articles bearing aplurality of designations, including powered means for s1- multaneouslyproviding a plurality of spaces classified in accordance with one of thedesignations carried by an article, in combination with meansclassifying one of vsuch spaces in accordance with another designationcarried by said article.

26. In a sorting machine, a multiplicity of movably mounted leavesarranged into a plurality of groups, and powered means for selectively'and simultaneously moving correspondingly positioned leaves -in all thegroups.

27. In a sorting machine a plurality of groups of leaves mounted forindependent movement and powered means for simultaneously moving aselected leaf of each group. f

28. In a sorting machine a plurality of groups of leaves mounted forindependent movement and powered means for simultaneously moving aselected leaf of each group, and for restoring said leaves to normalposition.

29. A sorting machine, comprising a plurality of separator elementsarranged in parallelism, an actuator adapted for movement to separateone element from its adjacent element, a power-driven member mounted formovement adjacent said actua tor and means for selectively engaging theactuator with said member.

30'. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separator elementsarranged in parallelism 'and divided into a plurality of groups, anactuator adapted for reciprocation to move correspondingly positionedelements in the several;I groups, a powerdriven member reciprocatingadjacent said actuator, and means for selectively engaging said actuatorwith said member.

31. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separator elementsarranged in parallelism and divided into a plurality of groups, aplurality of reciprocably mounted actuators extending adjacent thegroups, each actuator being provided with abutments constantly engagingsimilarly positioned elements in the several groups, a power-drivenmember reciprocating adjacent said actuators, and means for selectivelyengaging each actuator with said member.

32. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separator elements,an actuator contacting certain of said elements and mounted for movementin :a planeadjaccnt thereto, a power-driven member reciprocatingadjacent said actuator, and a finger pivotally mounted on said actuatorand adapted for movement into engagement with said member, whereby toreciprocate said actuator and move said elements from normal position.

33. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separator elements,an actuator contacting certain of said elements and mounted for movementin a plane adjacent thereto, a power-driven member reciprocatingadjacent said actuator, and a finger pivotally mounted on said actuatorand loo adapted for movement into engagement by actuators, apower-driven member rewitli said member, whereby to reciprocate saidactuator and move said elements from normal position, and additionalmeans car--l ried by said member for, restoring said actuator to normalosition.

34. A sorting mac ine comprising a multiplicity of separator leavesarranled in parallelism and divided into a plura 't of groups, aplurality of actuators mounte for movement` in a plane adjacent all ofthe groups, eacli. actuator contacting similarly positioned leaves onlyin the several groups all the leaves in each group being contacte byactuators, a power-driven member reciprocating adjacent said actuators,and a linger pivotally mounted on each actuator and adapted for movementto engage said member, whereby to cause said actuator toreciprocate'with said member and toA move the leaves contacted by theformer.

35. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separatorl 'leavesarraii ed in parallelism and divided into a plura it of groups, aplurality of actuators mountedyfor movement in a plane adjacent all ofthe groups, each actuator contacting similarly positioned leaves only inthe several groups,

all the leavesin each group being contacted by actuators, a power-drivenmember reciprocating adjacent said actuators, and a linger pivotallymounted on each actuator and adapted for movement to engage said member,whereby to cause said actuator to reciprocate with said member and tomove the leaves contacted b the former, and means carried'above `eac ofthe lingers and indicating the classiication of its associated actuator.

V36. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separator leavesarranged in parallelism and divided into a plurality of groups, aplurality of actuators mounted for movement in a plane adjacent all ofthe groups, each actuator contacting similarly positioned leaves only inthe several groups, all the leaves in each group being contacted byactuators, a power-driven member reciprocating adjacent said actuators,and a finger pivotally mounted on each actuator and adapted for movementtoengage said member, whereby to cause said actuator to reciprocate withsaid member and to move the leaves contacted by the former, and meanstending at all times to restore said linger to normal position, out ofengagement with said member.

37. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separator leavesarranged iii parallelism and divided into a pluralit of groups, aplurality of actuators mounte for movement in a plane adjacent all oftlie groups, each actuator contacting similarly positioned leaves onlyin the several groups, all tlie leaves in each group being contactedciprocating adjacent said actuators, a finger pivotally mounted on eachactuator and adapted for movement to engage said member, whereby tocause said actuator to reciprocate with said member and to move theleaves contacted by the former, and means limiting the movement of saidfinger towardssaid actuator.

38. A sorting machine comprising a multiplicity of separator leavesarranged in parallelism and divided into a plurality of groups, aplurality of actuators mounted for movement in a plane adjacent all ofthe groups, each actuator contacting similarly positioned leaves only inthe several groups, all the leaves in each group being contacted byactuators, a power-driven member reciprocating adjacent said actuators,a linger pivotally mounted on each actuator and adapted for movement toengage said meinber, whereby to cause` said actuator to reciprocate withsaid member and to move the leaves contacted by the former, and meanstending at all times to restore -said finger to normal position out ofengagement with said member, said means comprising a resilient memberositioned between the actuator and said nger.

39. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mountedleaves arranged in groups and lextending laterally across the frame, aprojection so positioned on each leaf as to form a series of staggeredrojections across the frame, and a series'oi) movable actuatorsextending longitudinally across the frame, each actuator carryingabutments in contact with the projections of correspondingly positionedleaves only of the several groups, and

powered means for moving said actuators.

powered means for reciprocating each actuator. U

41. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mountedleaves arranged in groups and extending laterally across the frame, aseries of actuators carried by the frame and extending transversely overthe leaves, abutments on the actuators engaging correspondinglypositioned leaves only7 in the several groups, and powered means forreciprocating each actuator and for thereafter restoring it t0 itsnormal position.

42. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mountedleaves arranged in groupsand extending laterally across the frame, aserie-s of actuators carried by the frame. and extendlng transverselyover the leaves, each actuator Abeing provided with means engagingcorrespondingly positioredV leaves of the several groups, a poweredmember reciprocable adjacent the actuators, and means for selectivelyengaging cach actuator with said member.

13. A sorting machine comprising, a

frame, a plurality of movably mounted pressible finger pivoted to theactuator and movable into the plane of reciprocation of said member.

44. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mountedleaves arranged in groups ,and extending laterally across the frame,aseries of actua-tors carried by the frame, and extending transverselyover the leaves, each actuator being provided with means engagingcorrespondingly positioned leaves of the several groups, a poweredmember reciprocable adjacent the actuators, means for selectivelyengaging each actuator with said member, said means comprising adepressible linger pivoted to the actuator and movable into the plane ofreciprocation of said member, and a key mounted above said fmger andupon a stemv which is adapted, under pressure upon the key, to depressthe finger.

45. A sorting machine comprising aV frame, a plurality of movablymounted leaves arranged in groups andsextending laterally across theframe, a series of actuators carried by the frame, wand extendingtransversely over the leaves, each actuator being provided with meansengaging correspondingly positioned leaves of -the several groups, apowered member reciprocable adjacent the actuators, means forselectively engaging each actuator with said member, said meanscomprising a depressible finger pivoted to the'actuator and movable'into the plane of reciprocation of said member, a key mounted abovesaid finger and upon a stem which is adapted, under pressure upon thekey, to depress the finger, and means for automatically restoring thekey to normal position, out of engagement with said member.

46. A sorting machine comprising a n frame, a plurality of movablymounted leaves arranged in groups and extending laterally across theframe, a series of actuators carried by the frame and. extendingtransversely over the leaves, each actuator being provided with meansengaging correspondingly positioned leaves of the several `groups, apowered member reciprocable adjacent the actuators, and means forselectivel engaging each actuator with said mem er, said member beingprovided with means for restoring 'said actuator to normal position.

47. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mountedleaves arranged in groups and extending laterally across the frame, aseries of actuators carried by the frame and extending transversely overthe leaves, each actuator being provided with means engagingcorrespondingly positioned leaves of the several groups, a poweredmember reciprocable ad- .jacent the actuators, and means for selectivelyengaging each actuator with said membcr, said member being provided withmeans for restoring said actuator 'to normal position, and means carriedby the frame for restoring said leaves to normal position. 48. A sortingmachine provided with a plurality of pivotally mounted separatorelements, a plurality of movable actuatorsI associated with saidelements, each element being positioned for contact by some oneactuator, upon movement of the latter, whereby to provide a spacebetween adjacent elements, powered means movable into engagement withand adapted to move any actuator from a normal position, and tothereafter return said actuator to said position, and means forreturning the shifted elementto normal position.

49. A sorting machine provided with a plurality of pivotally mountedseparator elements, a plurality of movable actuators associated withsaid elements, each element being positioned for contact by some oneactuator, upon movement of the latter, whereby to provide a spacebetween adjacent elements, powered means movable into engagement withand adapted to move any actuator to said position,and means forreturning the shifted .element to normal position, comprising aresilient member con- Stantly resisting movement of said element fromnormal position.

50. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of separatorleaves arranged in parallelism and extending transversely of the frame,an upstanding projection carried by each leaf and in staggered relationwith respect to the projection on the adjacent leaf, a plurality ofactuator bars positioned in parallelism and extending over saidprojections, each factuator being provided with abutments in contactwith the projections of certain leaves only, a. power-driven memberreciprocating adjacent the actuators, and means for selectively engagingany actuator with*fsaid member. 51. A sorting machine rcomprising aframe,

a plurality of movable separator leaves car- .ried by the frame, a lessnumber of reciprocable actuators so contacting the leaves that any leafmay be moved by some one of said a'ctuators, in combination with apowerdriven member carried by the frame and reciprocating in a planeparallel to the plane y of reciprocation of said actuators, and meansfor separately engaging any single actuator with said member, whereby toshift from normal position the leaves contacted by said 52. A sortingmachine comprising a frame,

a plurality of movable separator leaves carried by the frame, a lessnumber of reciprocable actuators so .contacting the leaves that any leafmay be moved by some one ofsaid 20actuators, in combination with apower-v driven member carried by the frame and reciprocating in a planeparallel to the plane of reciprocation of said actuators, and means forseparately engaging any single actuator with said member, whereby to`shift from normal position theleaves contacted bysaid actuator, saidmeans comprising a finger pivotally mounted on each actuator anddepressible into the plane .of reciprocation of said member.

53. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movableseparator leaves carried by the frame, al less number of reciprocableactuators so contacting the leaves that any leaf may be moved by someone of said actuators, in combination with a powerdriven member carriedby the frame and reciprocating in a plane parallel to the plane 0 ofreciprocation of said actuators, means for i separately engaging anysingle actuator with said member, whereby to shift from normal positionthe leaves contacted by sald actuator, said means comprising a fingerpivotally mounted on each actuator and depressible into the plane ofreeiprocation of said member, and means classifying each finger withrespect to the leaves which are contacted by the actuator associatedwith said finger.

54. Asorting machine comprisinga frame,

a plurality of movable separator leaves .carried by the frame, a lessnumber of reciprocable actuators so contacting the leaves that any leafmay be moved by some one of said actuators, in combination with a-powerdriven member carried bv the frame and reciprocating in a planeparallel to the plane of reciprocation o'f said actuators, means forseparately engaging any single actuator with said member, whereby toshift from normal position the leaves contacted by said actuator, andmeans movable with said mem- 'ber for restoring said actuator to normalposition.

55. A sorting machine comprising a frame,

a plurality of movable separator leaves carried by the frame, a lessnumber of reciprocable actuators so contacting the leaves that any leafmay be moved by some one of said actuators, in combination with apowerdriven member carried by the frame and reciprocating in a planeparallel to the plane of reciprocation of said actuators, means forseparately engaging any single actuator @with said member, whereby toshift from* normal position the leaves contacted by sa1d actuator, andmeans carried by the frame for restoring said leaves to normal position.

56. A sorting machine comprising a frame, a plurality of movably mountedleaves arranged in roups and extendinglaterally across the flifame, aseries of actuators carried by the frame, and extending transverselyover the leaves, each actuator beingprovided with means4 engagingcorrespondingly positioned leaves of each groupa powered memberreciprocable adjacent the actuators, means for selectively en aging eachactuator with said -member, sai means comprising a depressible fingerpivoted to the actuator

